U.S. patent application number 09/912985 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole.
Invention is credited to Harris, Gary G..
Application Number | 20030019143 09/912985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25432809 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030019143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris, Gary G. |
January 30, 2003 |
Ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial fishing
range beyond the radius of a fishing hole
Abstract
An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising a
fishing rig with a vertical post and a generally horizontal
extendable arm. The vertical post moves axially and rotatably
relative to the fishing rig and the extendable arm extends radially
from the axis of the post for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of the fishing hole.
Inventors: |
Harris, Gary G.; (Matteson,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael R. McKenna
500 West Madison, Suite 3800
Chicago
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
25432809 |
Appl. No.: |
09/912985 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/4 |
International
Class: |
A01K 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising: a. a
post; b. a fishing rig having a stand supported by a plurality of
legs, i. said stand having means for adjustably supporting the post
in a vertical position, whereby the post is moveable axially and
rotatably relative to the stand; C. an extendable arm having a
proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end rotatably
connected to a bottom end of the post; and d. means for controlling
the extendable arm between a first position where the distance
between the proximal end and the distal end of the extendable arm
is minimal and a second position where the distance between the
proximal end and a distal end of the extendable arm is maximal,
whereby, the bottom end of the post that is supported vertically
can be lowered into the fishing hole of an ice covering, the distal
end of the extendable arm can be disposed between the first
position and the second position, the post can be rotated about its
vertical axis, and a fish hook, that is secured to a fishing line
that has been advanced along the post and the extendable arm and
through a first eyelet disposed on the distal end of the extendable
arm, can be cast in an increased effective radial fishing range
beyond the radius of a fishing hole.
2. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
further comprising means for maintaining the extendable arm in a
horizontal position.
3. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 2,
wherein the means for maintaining the extendable arm in a
horizontal position comprises at least one wheel disposed proximate
the distal end of the extendable arm, said at least one wheel being
rotatable about a wheel axis that is parallel to a centerline of
the extendable arm, whereby the at least one wheel can traverse any
one of a plurality of arcs on an undersurface of the ice covering
as the post is rotated about its vertical axis and the extendable
arm is varied in length.
4. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 3,
wherein the at least one wheel has radially extending teeth of
sufficient height to traverse a rough undersurface of the ice
covering, whereby the at least one wheel can traverse any one of a
plurality of arcs on the rough undersurface of the ice covering as
the post is rotated about its vertical axis and the extendable arm
is varied in length.
5. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
wherein the means for maintaining the extendable arm in a
horizontal position comprises a means for floatation disposed at
the distal end of the extendable arm.
6. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 5,
wherein the means for floatation is disposed in a cavity in the
extendable arm.
7. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 5,
wherein the means for floatation comprises a bobber.
8. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 5,
wherein the means for floatation comprises a suitable quantity of
floatable plastic foam.
9. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 2,
further comprising means for overriding the means for maintaining
to lower the distal end of the extendable arm below a horizontal
plane passing through the proximal end of the extendable arm so
that the extendable arm can be more easily removed from the ice
hole.
10. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 9,
wherein the means for overriding comprises a counterbalance, that
is moveable along the extendable arm, and means for moving the
counterbalance between a primary position at which the
counterbalance has minimal effect on the means for floatation and a
secondary position at which the counterbalance overrides the means
for floatation so that the extendable arm can be more easily
removed from the ice hole.
11. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
wherein the extendable arm comprises an elongated outer sleeve
having a proximal end and a distal end with an inner cavity, and an
elongated inner neck that slidably extends from said cavity through
an opening proximate the distal end thereof.
12. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 11,
wherein the extendable arm comprises an elongated opening disposed
longitudinally on a wall of the outer sleeve, and wherein the means
for controlling the extendable arm comprises a threaded rod having
a proximal end and a distal end, each of which is supported from
the outer sleeve, an internally threaded means being fixedly
connected to the inner neck outer sleeve and extending through the
elongated opening of the outer sleeve, said internally threaded
means being in operative association with the threaded rod,
whereby, upon a first rotation of the threaded rod through the
internally threaded means, the internally threaded means and the
inner neck fixedly connected thereto moves distally toward the
second position of the extendable arm thereby extending the
extendable arm, and upon a reverse rotation of the threaded rod,
the internally threaded means and the inner neck move proximally
toward the first position of the extendable arm.
13. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 11
,wherein the means for maintaining the extendable arm in a
horizontal position comprises a means for floatation disposed at
the distal end of the extendable arm; and further comprising means
for overriding the means for maintaining to lower the distal end of
the extendable arm below a horizontal plane passing through the
proximal end of the extendable arm so that the extendable arm can
be more easily removed from the ice hole, said means for overriding
including a counterbalance and means for moving the counterbalance,
said counterbalance comprises a lead weight suspended from an
auxiliary rod that extends toward the distal end of the outer
sleeve from a first point proximate the proximal end of the outer
sleeve, and said means for moving the counterbalance comprises a
resilient member attached between the lead weight and a second
point proximate the distal end of the outer sleeve for moving the
lead weight toward the distal end of the outer sleeve and a string
extending from the lead weight toward the proximal end of the outer
sleeve and up along the post for opposing movement of the lead
weight toward the distal end of the outer sleeve.
14. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 11,
wherein cross-section of the inner cavity of the elongated outer
sleeve and the cross-section of the inner neck are each rectangular
and sufficiently sized relative to one another to preclude rotation
of the inner neck within the outer sleeve, thereby maintaining the
position of the first eyelet relative to the outer sleeve so as to
reduce entanglement of the fishing line.
15. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 12,
further comprising a pulley fixedly connected to the threaded rod
and a drive belt operably connected to the pulley and a means for
driving the belt, said means for driving the belt being attached to
the fishing rig.
16. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 15,
wherein the means for driving the belt comprises an upper pulley
and a crank operably connected to the upper pulley.
17. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
wherein the stand comprises a pair of spaced surfaces that are
fixed relative to one another and each of said pair of spaced
surfaces has an opening in which the post is disposed; and wherein
with the means for adjustably supporting the post comprises a
vertical sleeve within which the post can move axially, said post
having external means for rotatively coupling with an inner surface
of said vertical sleeve, said vertical sleeve being rotatably
supported by at least one of said pair of spaced surfaces, whereby,
the post can be rotated to rotate the vertical sleeve and said post
can be moved axially relative to said vertical sleeve.
18. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 17,
wherein with the means for adjustably supporting the post further
comprises a rotation gear attached to the post and an electric
motor with a drive gear adapted to engage and drive the rotation
gear, whereby, upon supplying power to the electric motor, the
drive gear engages the rotation gear to rotate the post and the
extendable arm to cause the fish hook to move in one of a plurality
of circular arcs about the fishing hole.
19. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
further comprising a fishing rod holder attached to the fishing
rig.
20. The ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole of claim 1,
further comprising a depth finder and a holder for said depth
finder, said holder being attached to the fishing rig.
21. An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial
fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising: a. a
post; b. a fishing rig having a stand supported by a plurality of
legs, i. said stand having means for adjustably supporting the post
in a vertical position, whereby the post is moveable axially and
rotatably relative to the stand; c. an extendable arm having a
proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end rotatably
connected to a bottom end of the post; d. means for controlling the
extendable arm between a first position where the distance between
the proximal end and the distal end of the extendable arm is
minimal and the second position where the distance between the
proximal end and a distal end of the extendable arm is maximal; e.
means for maintaining the extendable arm in a horizontal position,
i. said means for maintaining the extendable arm in a horizontal
position comprises a means for floatation disposed at the distal
end of the extendable arm; f. means for overriding the means for
maintaining to lower the distal end of the extendable arm below a
horizontal plane passing through the proximal end of the extendable
arm so that the extendable arm can be more easily removed from the
ice hole, i. said means for overriding comprises a counterbalance,
that is moveable along the extendable arm, and means for moving the
counterbalance between a primary position at which the
counterbalance has minimal effect on the means for floatation and a
secondary position at which the counterbalance overrides the means
for floatation so that the extendable arm can be more easily
removed from the ice hole, whereby, the bottom end of the post that
is supported vertically can be lowered into the fishing hole of an
ice covering, the distal end of the extendable arm can be disposed
between the first position and the second position, the post can be
rotated about its vertical axis, and a fish hook, that is secured
to a fishing line that has been advanced along the post and the
extendable arm and through a first eyelet disposed on the distal
end of the extendable arm, can be cast in an increased effective
radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an ice fishing device for
increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of
a fishing hole. Traditional ice fishing is limited to the projected
cylinder beneath an ice hole which is typically twelve inches in
diameter. Increasing the range in which a fishing hook can be cast
enhances the fishing experience and the catch.
[0002] This invention allows a fisherman to create the same twelve
inch hole and fish over a greater range beyond the twelve inch
hole. This is accomplished with a fishing rig that includes an
extendable arm that can be positioned under the ice covering
pivotally extending from a vertical post, so that a fish hook, that
is secured to a fishing line that has been advanced along the post
and the extendable arm can be cast over an increased effective
radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole.
[0003] The ice fishing device of this useful invention comprises a
post, a fishing rig, an extendable arm, and means for controlling
the extendable arm. The fishing rig has a stand supported by a
plurality of legs. The stand has means for adjustably supporting
the post in a vertical position. The means for adjustably
supporting allows the post to be moveable axially and rotatably
relative to the stand.
[0004] The extendable arm has a proximal end and a distal end with
the proximal end rotatably connected to a bottom end of the post,
and the means for controlling the extendable arm controls it
between a first position where the distance between the proximal
end and the distal end of the extendable arm is minimal and a
second position where the distance between the proximal end and a
distal end of the extendable arm is maximal.
[0005] Alternative technology is available in the form of a U.S.
Pat. No. 3,168,789 issued to Gednalske in 1965 for a fishing rig
for ice fishing which allowed for fishing of a continuous circular
path at a fixed rate utilizing a joint 32 that is pivotally
connecting a vertical section of fishing rod to a transverse
section that is normally disposed under the water. The transverse
section of the rod, however, is not extendable as is taught by the
instant invention. Moreover, the vertical section of the rod does
not move axially within its holding sleeve.
[0006] See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,313 issued in 1960 to Long for
an under-ice fishing device which provides for a buoyant member
which is rotatable within a frame and moves under the surface of
the ice. Also see, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,870 issued to Smoluk in
1990 which provides for an ice fishing apparatus with a tripod
support.
[0007] Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 2,972,204 issued in 1961 to
Wollum for an ice fishing rod for artificial lures discloses a rod
for ice fishing having a stand.
[0008] The principal disadvantage of such devices is that they do
not provide the ability to fish at any point within the extended
range. To alleviate this problem, and others which will become
apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention
conveniently allows the extendable arm to extend and rotate, thus
allowing a fishing hook on the distal end of the extendable arm to
be positionable at an point within a circular ring with an inner
diameter equal to the minimal length of the extendable arm and with
an outer diameter equal to the maximal length of the extendable
arm. Moreover, the extendable arm cam be lowered from a horizontal
position to one that is practically vertical, whereby the circular
area within the circular ring can be effectively fished as
well.
[0009] Unlike the foregoing devices, an ice fisherman utilizing the
instant invention can control his lure at any point in the area of
an enlarged circle. The device can be turned by hand, by an
electric motor or a portable drill with portable power supply or
powered by a car battery.
[0010] The citation of the foregoing publications is not an
admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or
that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders
unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of
the cited publications is believed to detract from the
patentability of the claimed invention.
[0011] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0012] Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure
that follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention relates to an ice fishing device for
increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of
a fishing hole which comprises a post, a fishing rig, an extendable
arm, and means for controlling the extendable arm. Means for
adjustably supporting allows the post to allow it to move axially
and rotatably relative to the fishing rig. The extendable arm has a
proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end rotatably
connected to a bottom end of the post, and the means for
controlling the extendable arm controls it between a first position
where the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of
the extendable arm is minimal and a second position where the
distance between the proximal end and a distal end of the
extendable arm is maximal.
[0014] In the ice fishing device for increasing the effective
radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole as
described, the bottom end of the post that is supported vertically
can be lowered into the fishing hole of an ice covering, the distal
end of the extendable arm can be disposed between the first
position and the second position, the post can be rotated about its
vertical axis, and a fish hook, that is secured to a fishing line
that has been advanced along the post and the extendable arm and
through a first eyelet disposed on the distal end of the extendable
arm, can be cast in an increased effective radial fishing range
beyond the radius of a fishing hole.
[0015] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated.
[0016] There are, of course, additional features of the invention
that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based,
may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other
structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice fishing device for
increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of
a fishing hole of the present invention showing a stand supported
by a plurality of legs holding a vertical post which has an
extendable arm pivotally connected to a bottom end of the post;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stand of an ice fishing
device of the present invention showing a pair of spaced surfaces
that are fixed relative to one another in which the post can be
supported;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the post and stand of an
ice fishing device of the present invention showing the pair of
spaced surfaces, a vertical sleeve in which the post can be
supported and a motorized gear driven means for rotating the sleeve
and the post of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the post pivotally
connected to the proximate end of the extendable arm and showing
means for controlling the extendable arm and a bobber as a means
for flotation;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the fishing device of the
current invention taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing
further details of the extendable arm and means for controlling the
extendable arm;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side elevation schematic view of the fishing
device of the current invention showing the support legs resting on
an ice covering and the post disposed through an ice hole in the
ice covering with the extendable arm disposed in the water under
the ice covering and a wheel for traversing the underside of the
ice covering, and further showing in phantom the extendable arm in
its extended position;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the distal end of the
extendable arm of the ice fishing device of the present invention
showing the counterbalancing means for lowering the distal end of
the extendable arm;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the extendable arm
showing the rectangular cross section of the outer sleeve and a
rectangular cross section of the inner neck and the means for
flotation disposed in a cavity in the neck; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the wheel
disposed on the distal end of the extendable arm showing its
radially extending teeth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Without departing from the generality of the invention
disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention,
the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as
depicted in the drawing.
[0028] The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the
drawing show an ice fishing device 1 for increasing the effective
radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole 11
comprises a post 2, a fishing rig 3, an extendable arm 4, and means
for controlling the extendable arm 5. The fishing rig has a stand 6
supported by a plurality of legs 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Referring
to FIGS. 2-3, the stand 6 has means for adjustably supporting 13
the post in a vertical position. The means for adjustably
supporting 13 allows the post 2 to be moveable axially and
rotatably relative to the stand 6.
[0029] The extendable arm 4 has a proximal end 4a and a distal end
4b with the proximal end rotatably connected to a bottom end 2a of
the post 2, and the means for controlling 5 the extendable arm 4
controls it between a first position where the distance between the
proximal end and the distal end of the extendable arm is minimal,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, and a second position where the distance
between the proximal end and a distal end of the extendable arm is
maximal (shown in phantom in FIG. 6).
[0030] In the ice fishing device for increasing the effective
radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole as
described, the bottom end 2a of the post that is supported
vertically can be lowered into the fishing hole 11 of an ice
covering 14, the distal end 4b of the extendable arm 4 can be
disposed between the first position and the second position, the
post 2 can be rotated about its vertical axis, and a fish hook 15,
that is secured to a fishing line 16 that has been advanced along
the post and the extendable arm and through a first eyelet 17
disposed on the distal end 4b of the extendable arm, can be cast in
an increased effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of
the fishing hole.
[0031] The ice fishing device may further comprise means for
maintaining the extendable arm 4 in a horizontal position. As best
shown in FIG. 4, the means for maintaining the extendable arm in a
horizontal position comprises at least one wheel 7 disposed
proximate the distal end 4b of the extendable arm. The at least one
wheel is rotatable about a wheel axis that is parallel to a
centerline of the extendable arm 4, and the at least one wheel may
have radially extending teeth 7a, as shown in FIG. 9, of sufficient
height to traverse a rough undersurface of the ice covering 14. As
delineated, the at least one wheel 7 can traverse any one of a
plurality of arcs on the rough undersurface of the ice covering 14
as the post 2 is rotated about its vertical axis and the extendable
arm 4 is varied in length.
[0032] The means for maintaining the extendable arm in a horizontal
position may comprise any of the known alternative ways of
maintaining the pivotally extendable arm in a horizontal position,
such as, but not limited to, an arm extending from the vertical
post which limits the pivoting movement of the extendable arm so
that the distal end of the extendable arm is at or below a
horizontal plane passing through the proximal end 4a of the
extendable arm.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, the means for maintaining the
extendable arm in a horizontal position may comprise a means for
floatation 8 disposed at the distal end 4b of the extendable arm 4.
Optionally, the means for floatation 8 can be disposed in a cavity
9 in the extendable arm, as shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the
means for floatation may comprise a bobber. A suitable quantity of
floatable plastic foam 18 could be used as the material for the
means for floatation 8.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the ice fishing device of this
important invention means for overriding the means for maintaining
are provided to lower the distal end 4b of the extendable arm 4
below a horizontal plane passing through the proximal end 4a of the
extendable arm so that the extendable arm can be more easily
removed from the ice hole. Said means for overriding may comprise a
counterbalance 10, that is moveable along the extendable arm 4.
Means for moving the counterbalance 10 between a primary position,
shown in FIG. 4, at which the counterbalance has minimal effect on
the means for floatation 8 and a secondary position, shown in FIG.
7, at which the counterbalance overrides the means for floatation
may also be provided so that the distal end 4b of the extendable
arm will rotate downwardly (in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
7) and can be more easily removed from the ice hole.
[0035] Preferably, the extendable arm 4 comprises an elongated
outer sleeve 20 having a proximal end 20a and a distal end 20b with
an inner cavity 9a and an elongated inner neck 22 that slidably
extends from the inner cavity 9a proximate the distal end 20b
thereof. The inner neck 22 has a proximal end 22a and a distal end
22b and the means for controlling the extendable arm comprises a
threaded rod 24 having a proximal end 24a and a distal end 24b and
an elongated opening 26 disposed longitudinally on a wall of the
outer sleeve 20, and an elongated inner neck 22 that slidably
extends from said cavity 9a through an opening 9c proximate the
distal end 4b thereof. The inner neck 22 has a proximal end 22a and
a distal end 22b. Additionally, the means for controlling the
extendable arm comprises a threaded rod 24 having a proximal end
24a and a distal end 24b, each of which is supported from the outer
sleeve 20, an internally threaded means 26 that is fixedly
connected to the inner neck 22 and extending through the elongated
opening 28 of the outer sleeve 20 with the internally threaded
means 26 being in operative association with the threaded rod
24.
[0036] Upon a first rotation of the threaded rod 24 through the
internally threaded means 26, the internally threaded means 26 and
the inner neck 22 fixedly connected thereto moves distally toward
the second position of the extendable arm 4 thereby extending the
extendable arm. Upon a reverse rotation of the threaded rod 24, the
internally threaded means 26 and the inner neck 22 move proximally
toward the first position of the extendable arm 4.
[0037] In another preferred embodiment of the ice fishing device 1
for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius
of a fishing hole, the means for maintaining the extendable arm in
a horizontal position may comprise a means for floatation 8
disposed at the distal end 4b of the extendable arm 4, and means
for overriding the means for maintaining to lower the distal end 4b
of the extendable arm 4 below a horizontal plane passing through
the proximal end 4a of the extendable arm so that the extendable
arm can be more easily removed from the ice fishing hole 11. The
means for overriding may include a counterbalance 10 and means for
moving the counterbalance.
[0038] The counterbalance may comprise a lead weight 30 suspended
from an auxiliary rod 32 that extends toward the distal end 20a of
the outer sleeve from a first point 34 proximate the proximal end
20a of the outer sleeve 20, and said means for moving the
counterbalance may comprise a resilient member 36 attached between
the lead weight 30 and a second point 38 proximate the distal end
20b of the outer sleeve for moving the lead weight toward the
distal end of the outer sleeve and a string 40 extending from the
lead weight toward the proximal end 20a of the outer sleeve and up
along the post 2 for opposing movement of the lead weight 30 toward
the distal end 20b of the outer sleeve, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0039] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the cross-section of the
inner cavity 9a of the elongated outer sleeve 20 and the
cross-section of the inner neck 22 are each rectangular and
sufficiently sized relative to one another to preclude rotation of
the inner neck within the outer sleeve, thereby maintaining the
position of the first eyelet 17 relative to the outer sleeve 20 so
as to reduce entanglement of the fishing line 16.
[0040] Another enhanced aspect of the ice fishing device 1 of the
present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, includes a pulley 42
fixedly connected to the threaded rod 24 and a drive belt 44
operably connected to the pulley 42 and a means for driving the
belt, with the means for driving the belt being attached to the
fishing rig. The means for driving the belt may comprise an upper
pulley 46 and a crank 48 operably connected to the upper
pulley.
[0041] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stand 6 may comprise a
pair of spaced surfaces 50 that are fixed relative to one another
and each of the pair of spaced surfaces has an opening in which the
post can be disposed, and with the means for adjustably supporting
the post 2 comprises a vertical sleeve 52 within which the post can
move axially. The post has external means for rotatively coupling
54 with an inner surface 52a of said vertical sleeve and the
vertical sleeve 52 is rotatably supported by at least one of said
pair of spaced surfaces 50. In this way, the post can be rotated to
rotate the vertical sleeve and said post can be moved axially
relative to said vertical sleeve.
[0042] Preferably, the ice fishing device for increasing the
effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole
has the means for adjustably supporting the post further including
a rotation gear 56 attached to the post 2 and an electric motor 58
with a drive gear 60 adapted to engage and drive the rotation gear
56. Upon supplying power to the electric motor 58, the drive gear
60 can engage the rotation gear 56 to rotate the post 2 and the
extendable arm 4 to cause the fish hook 15 to move in one of a
plurality of circular arcs about the fishing hole 11. Obviously,
the rotation gear 56 could be engaged to the vertical sleeve and
the post thereby rotated relative to the stand.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the ice fishing device of this
invention may further comprise a fishing rod holder 62 attached to
the fishing rig 3. Additionally, a depth finder 64 and a holder 66
for the depth finder may be provided with the holder being attached
to the fishing rig. Alternatively, measuring indicia may be
disposed on the vertical post to provide a ready reference for the
depth of the extendable arm. Similarly, measuring indicia may be
associated with the means for controlling the extendable arm to
provide a fisherman with an indication of the length of the
extendable arm.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the ice fishing device
for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius
of a fishing hole includes a post 2, a fishing rig 3, an extendable
arm 4, means for controlling 5 the extendable arm, means for
maintaining the extendable arm in a horizontal position, and means
for overriding the means for maintaining are included. The fishing
rig 3 has a stand 6 supported by a plurality of legs 12.
[0045] The stand 6 has means for adjustably supporting the post in
a vertical position, whereby the post 2 is moveable axially and
rotatably relative to the stand 6. The extendable arm 4 has a
proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end rotatably
connected to a bottom end 2a of the post. The means for controlling
the extendable arm directs the extendable arm between a first
position where the distance between the proximal end and the distal
end of the extendable arm is minimal and the second position where
the distance between the proximal end and a distal end of the
extendable arm is maximal.
[0046] The means for maintaining the extendable arm in a horizontal
position comprises a means for floatation 8 disposed at the distal
end 4b of the extendable arm.
[0047] The means for overriding the means for maintaining is
provided to lower the distal end 4b of the extendable arm below a
horizontal plane passing through the proximal end 4a of the
extendable arm so that the extendable arm can be more easily
removed from the ice hole. The means for overriding comprises a
counterbalance 10, that is moveable along the extendable arm 4, and
means for moving the counterbalance between a primary position at
which the counterbalance has minimal effect on the means for
floatation and a secondary position at which the counterbalance
overrides the means for floatation so that the extendable arm can
be more easily removed from the ice hole. In this way, the bottom
end 2a of the post that is supported vertically can be lowered into
the fishing hole of an ice covering 14, the distal end 4b of the
extendable arm can be disposed between the first position and the
second position, the post 2 can be rotated about its vertical axis,
and a fish hook 15, that is secured to a fishing line 16 that has
been advanced along the post and the extendable arm and through a
first eyelet 17 disposed on the distal end 4b of the extendable
arm, can be cast in an increased effective radial fishing range
beyond the radius of a fishing hole 11.
[0048] While this invention has been described in connection with
the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying
out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown
are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed
as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications
will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications
that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to
be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this
disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out
the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,
therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and
scop of the present invention.
[0049] My invention resides not in any one of these features per
se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of
them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the
prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its
structures for the functions specified.
[0050] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
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